XFX XPS-850W Power Supply Review

Introduction:

The already crowded PC power supply market just got a little more crowded with the recent introduction of a new power supply line from XFX. XFX, a division of Pine Technology Holdings Ltd. founded in 1989, is probably better known for its high performance graphics cards and motherboards.

The XFX Black Edition 850W power supply is the first offering in the series, with rumors of lower wattage units joining it in the future. There are a multitude of great power supplies available in the 850W bracket and it's certainly a brave move on the part of XFX, introducing a new power line in the current economic climate. PC enthusiasts are obviously going to expect the same high level of performance from this power supply that XFX graphics cards have, on the whole, produced. For it to succeed, at least in the enthusiast market, its performance is going to have to be up there with the best. There is, however, a group of PC users out there that will fall for how a power supply looks rather than how it performs – sad but true – and the XFX Black Edition 850W will certainly turn a few heads with its unusual appearance that you will either love or hate. I find it strange how so much work goes into the appearance of a power supply, since it will spend all of its working life out of sight in the majority of enclosures.

"The XFX Black Edition 850W modular power supply gives you the power you need with a brilliant combination of form and function. Giving more than just life to your PC, this power supply allows easy cable management with modular connectors, which helps increase airflow and reduces clutter. With tight voltage regulation, clean outputs, and high efficiency operation up to 88% (80 Plus Silver), this power supply will give you exactly what you need to keep your gaming charged and ready for battle."

Let's take a look at the XFX Black Edition 850W power supply and see if the claims hold true.

Closer Look:

The packaging for the XFX Black Edition 850W power supply uses black and green as its theme and a cardboard sleeve enclosing the boxed contents. The black areas are in a matte finish with splashes of high gloss to emphasise the green areas and the "850" numeric. A slightly abstract graphic of the power supply cooling fan side is shown on the top face of the sleeve, along with an 80 Plus Silver and Nvidia SLI Ready logo. The underside of the sleeve shows a photograph of the XFX Black Edition 850W power supply, along with a list of the key features and power supply connectors and quantities.

Not a lot to see on the two end panels, but the inclusion of a sturdy carry handle is always welcome.

The front and rear faces of the sleeve show another graphic of the power supply along with a comprehensive specification table and a full row of icons representing the agency approvals awarded to the XFX Black Edition 850W power supply.

With the sleeve removed, you'll find the internal packaging is made of two boxes held together by tabs. The larger, lower box bearing the 'play hard' logo contains the power supply, while the upper narrow box contains the modular cable set.

Lifting the lid, you'll find two flaps on the sides of the box neatly framing the power supply fan. The left hand side bears the XFX website address, while the user guide is neatly held in place on the right hand side with diagonal slots in the cardboard at each corner. Lifting the flaps, you'll see that the power supply is held securely in place with lime green boxes matching the color of the cooling fan.

The left hand cardboard box contains the power cord and mounting screws and on the right there is a cardboard insert that sits neatly over the power supply captive cable set. The photograph on the right shows the modular cable set box, the power cord box, power cord, mounting screws and user manual.

The XFX Black Edition 850W packaging is very well done without the use of foam inserts, which is to be commended. It is well protected and contains an adequate set of accessories. Let's have a closer look.